Summary: LIVING TO THE FULLEST WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Innovations in Cognitive Rehabilitation Research This event was recorded on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the Kessler Foundation Conference Center, East Hanover, NJ and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith of Kessler Foundation. OUR DISTINGUISHED PANEL John DeLuca, PhD, ABPP, is internationally known for his work on cognitive processing, cognitive rehabilitation, neuroimaging, and fatigue in neurological populations. He is senior vice president for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation and research professor in the departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. DeLuca serves on numerous committees for both national and international societies associated with Neuropsychology. Nancy D. Chiaravalloti, PhD, a leader in the field of cognitive rehabilitation in the US and abroad, is director of Neuropsychology, Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation and research professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Her research focuses on changes in cognitive functioning in the face of neurological injury and illness and the development of treatments to ameliorate cognitive deficits, most notably in multiple sclerosis (MS). Lauren B. Strober, PhD, an expert in the field of quality of life in people with MS, is senior research scientist in the Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Laboratory at Kessler Foundation and research assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Her research focuses on secondary complications of MS: depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Dr. Strober explores how factors specific to the individual, such as personality and coping skills, impact quality of life and employment. Meg Balter, RN, was diagnosed with MS nearly four decades ago when she was an active young woman just beginning her career as a registered nurse. She began participating in Kessler Foundation’s research to help advance knowledge of the disease and ways to treat it. Despite the uncertainties of living with MS, Meg lives a full and active life with her husband of more than 30 years, their three sons, and many friends. “Kessler Foundation’s MS research helps me--and others--lead a full, healthy life,” says Meg. Stephanie Buxhoeveden, MSN, FNP-C, MSCN, doesn’t allow MS to stop her from living to the fullest. With techniques learned at Kessler Foundation, she enjoys life as a nurse practitioner, wife, and MS activist. Six months after she was diagnosed, she became a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse and began working in the same MS center where she is a patient. Stephanie volunteers with several MS organizations and is a TEDx speaker. PANEL MODERATOR - Steve Adubato, PhD Steve Adubato is a broadcaster, author, and motivational speaker. He is a distinguished visiting university professor at New York University, Emmy Award–winning anchor for Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJTV (PBS), and syndicated columnist. Steve regularly appears on the Today show, CNN, Fox, AM970, and NPR as a media and political analyst. He is the author of Make the Connection, What Were They Thinking?, Speak from the Heart, You Are the Brand, and Lessons in Leadership.
